What does the dew point indicate in weather observation?

The dew point is defined as the temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture, meaning it can no longer hold all the water vapor present, leading to the formation of dew or other forms of precipitation. When the air temperature cools to the dew point, the water vapor in the air condenses into liquid water, which can create dew on surfaces or clouds in the atmosphere.

This is a critical parameter in weather observation because it provides insight into humidity levels and moisture content, which are essential for understanding weather patterns, predicting fog, precipitation, and understanding comfort levels in relation to temperature and humidity.

While condensation does occur at the dew point, the dew point specifically represents the temperature threshold for saturation rather than just when condensation begins, which is why the other options do not accurately capture its meaning.